Data protection is the first line, recovery is the lifeline
March 2026
IT in Manufacturing
By Aslam Tajbhai, head of solutions at DMP SA.
Organisations today rely heavily on data as the backbone of their operations. Every business decision, customer interaction and innovation depends on instant access to accurate information. Unfortunately, in today’s digital landscape, a robust backup strategy is not just advisable, it’s essential for resilience.
The 3-2-1-1 backup model is a proven approach for safeguarding data. It involves maintaining three copies of data, stored across two different types of media, with one copy kept offsite in an immutable state. This method enhances data durability and speeds up recovery, especially as immutable backups remain unaltered even when security systems are compromised. With cyber threats and ransomware attacks increasing, such protective measures are vital for organisational survival.
Equally important as storing backups is the ability to restore data swiftly and effectively. A backup system that cannot restore information within a reasonable timeframe becomes futile in a crisis. Many organisations hold large data reserves but struggle with recovery due to poor data management, inadequate testing, and disorganised backups. Regular testing and continuous monitoring of recovery procedures are essential to ensuring systems perform reliably when required. Additionally, organisations must identify their most critical data assets and develop backup and retention plans that align with operational needs and regulatory standards.
Aslam Tajbhai, head of Solutions at DMP SA.
Backups are the foundation of resilience and recovery
A successful backup strategy rests on three core principles:
• What: Creating accurate, protected duplicates of data and operational systems.
• How: Establishing reliable, efficient methods for data restoration.
• Why: Ensuring operational continuity in the face of system failures, cyberattacks or natural disasters.
Security must be integrated into every aspect of backup processes. Implementing role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication and approval protocols for significant system changes is essential. Modern backup solutions should also incorporate built-in compliance tools and ransomware defences, safeguarding data against unauthorised access and cyber threats.
Advancements in technology, especially AI and automation, are transforming data protection. AI continuously monitors system activity, optimising backup operations and proactively detecting issues before they escalate. For example, it can identify unusual data transfer patterns that may signal ransomware or other security breaches.
Automation enables IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives by handling routine tasks. Automated systems can identify critical data, perform backups during periods of low traffic, and conduct real-time data integrity checks, thereby reducing human error and increasing reliability.
Why Africa must prioritise recovery operations
The continuous uptake of digital transformation across Africa, particularly in the financial, healthcare, energy and retail sectors, underscores the need for resilient recovery strategies. Organisations should regard backups as a strategic investment, integral to maintaining operational continuity and supporting digital growth.
Neglecting recovery capabilities exposes organisations to significant risks such as loss of customer trust, regulatory breaches, and missed opportunities for expansion. Conversely, companies that invest in effective recovery systems, combined with advanced storage solutions, will be better positioned to succeed in the digital economy.
Organisations must recognise the true value of their data, implement sophisticated protection systems and develop comprehensive recovery plans, ensuring they are ready to respond to unforeseen disruptions. Those adopting well-designed backup strategies supported by AI and automation will turn their data into a strategic resource for both survival and future growth.
For more information contact Derek Street, DMP South Africa, +27 11 475 6419, [email protected], www.dm-p.co.za
Further reading:
Even in autonomous systems, human insight is important
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
As AI, IIoT and digital twins reshape industrial operations, Schneider Electric’s Kobus Vermeulen and Bafana Msibi argue that the operator’s role is shifting from controlling equipment to interpreting intelligence, validating AI recommendations and making decisions that improve
Read more...
AI-based quality inspection scales across P&G operations
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and Procter & Gamble are expanding an AI-based visual inspection system across P&G’s manufacturing operations worldwide, inspecting products in real time at full line speed, and reducing scrap rates by 10 to 20% depending on the product.
Read more...
How sustainability unlocks real business impact
Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Sustainability has moved from a compliance obligation to a strategic driver of resilience and value for manufacturers. Rockwell Automation explains how its Triple A framework and connected-data approach help producers cut energy, water and waste while improving productivity.
Read more...
Mining’s AI future will depend on people as well as technology
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry is embracing digitalisation and AI, but AvenirHoldings chief executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele says the real test is whether the people behind the industry are equipped to move forward with it, and outlines five things mining needs to get right.
Read more...
How BIC overcame operational silos to integrate technology and people
Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing giant BIC deployed Plex MES from Rockwell Automation at its Bizerte plant in Tunisia, replacing fragmented, partly in-house software with a single cloud-based execution system that broke operational silos and improved shop-floor visibility.
Read more...
AI in industry is an early warning system, not a guarantee
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Paul Steyn argues that AI in industrial maintenance is only as good as the infrastructure and people behind it, and explains the three layers a facility needs before predictive maintenance can deliver on its promise.
Read more...
SA’s mining industry must put people at the heart of its digital future
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry employs around 470 000 people while its digital transition accelerates. Avenir’s chief executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele argues that technology should enable and upskill the workforce rather than replace it, setting out five ways mining can make technology work for its people.
Read more...
Quality control supports efficient tissue production
Valmet South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Valmet’s advanced quality control technology is helping tissue producers improve product consistency while reducing energy and raw material consumption. Its latest installation at KORO Paper in Vietnam combines real-time measurement, process optimisation and non-contact, nuclear-free quality control.
Read more...
Patented algorithm maximises operator efficiency
Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation piloted a patented anomaly detection algorithm and FactoryTalk DataMosaix at its Twinsburg electronics plant, giving operators 30 to 60 days’ advance warning of stencil failure, improving fail rates by 22% and achieving a 200% return on investment.
Read more...
Cybersecurity must become part of the next era of industrial automation
Adroit Technologies
IT in Manufacturing
The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is setting a global benchmark for connected products, making cybersecurity a core engineering requirement in industrial automation. Adroit Technologies and Mitsubishi Electric explain how building security into controllers, PLCs and drives from the outset helps South African manufacturers protect production and meet international expectations.
Read more...
printer friendly version